Peruvian news outlet Mag published a viral brain teaser challenging readers to solve a complex mathematical equation within an eight second time limit.
The exercise features the combined arithmetic operation 1000 - (225 / 15) * 28 + 75, which hundreds of participants have struggled to complete before the time expires.
Real time writer Marcelo López Chavez reported for Mag that maintaining focus and applying standard mathematical rules are essential to finding the correct result.
PEMDAS rule and calculation steps
López Chavez explained that participants must follow the PEMDAS rule, an acronym that dictates the order of mathematical operations starting with parentheses, followed by exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.
To solve the equation, participants must first calculate the division inside the parentheses, dividing 225 by 15 to get 15. Next, they multiply 15 by 28 to obtain 420. They then subtract 420 from 1000 to reach 580, and finally add 75 to arrive at the final result of 655.
López Chavez noted that explaining the step-by-step procedure of a math problem forces individuals to organize their thoughts. This practice makes it easier for teachers and students to identify which concepts are understood and which require correction.
Related math speed puzzles
Mag also highlighted other math speed puzzles aimed at testing mental agility. These include an exercise requiring participants to solve (6+6)8+6/3+8 in under six seconds, which few participants complete in time.
Another puzzle mentioned in the report challenges users to calculate (135-55)/4+25*3 in less than eight seconds.
Publisher context and author background
Mag operates as a digital section under Empresa Editora El Comercio, a major Peruvian media enterprise located on Calle Paracas in Pueblo Libre, Lima.
López Chavez studied journalism at Universidad Jaime Bausate y Meza and brings two years of digital media experience to his role as a real time writer for Mag.
Readers looking to continue practicing can access additional mathematical challenges through a link provided by Mag to test their speed and reasoning during free moments.
